Valdosta Football’s Top Returners For The 2021 Season
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Valdosta’s football program is one of the most notable high school football programs throughout the entire state of Georgia. Last season, while they had a successful run, they fell just short of the championship as they lost in the semi-final…
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Continue ReadingValdosta’s football program is one of the most notable high school football programs throughout the entire state of Georgia. Last season, while they had a successful run, they fell just short of the championship as they lost in the semi-final round. Despite their loss, the Wildcats have a ton of potential going into this upcoming season, and a big reason for that is due to the talent in which they have that will be returning. Plenty of these young players that managed to step up to the plate last year, and who managed to be contributing factor to the team’s success, will most likely be looking to duplicate that same success this upcoming year, while also being able to push themselves even further in the playoffs.
Amari Jones- QB
This past season, Valdosta football fans got a good look at Amari Jones, their 6’4, 205 pound QB. The first thing that stands out is his freakishly large frame, but it’s his ability to keep the defense on it’s toes that makes him so versatile. While he is a bit of a raw passer, he has great twitch, and speed that allows him to take off for big gains down the field. Along with this, his mobility in the pocket also makes him a better passer due to his ability to step up and make throws, and even maneuver around as needed. When throwing the football, his throwing mechanics can be a bit raw, but he has decent arm strength when pushing the ball down the field. Jones does a decent job making accurate intermediate passes, but we would like to see more consistency in his ability to properly square his shoulders when making throws. With this, Jones also has a good touch on his throws, and does an awesome job with his deep passes. Look for him to continue to develop this upcoming year, and to be able to get the ball out quicker, and make better reads.
Jadarian Rhym Jadarian Rhym 6'1" | 170 lbs | DB Valdosta | 2022 State GA – CB
Rhym, who is an LSU commit, does a great job of moving with good sink and bend, and this shows as he is able to change direction effectively, and position himself to make plays. With this, Rhym’s length, and frame also make him a match up problem due to his range, and ability to cause pass break-ups. When in coverage, his short area quickness, footwork, and speed consistently helps him to be able to stay in the hip pocket of receivers, and to force bad throws from the QB. Rhym’s overall burst, explosive movement skills, and twitch makes it hard for receivers to get open, and this is likely the main reason in which he has found himself committed to LSU. Next season, expect him to continue to dominate his competition and to further prepare himself for the next level of play.
Tajh Sanders Tajh Sanders 5'11" | 180 lbs | WR Valdosta | 2022 State GA – WR
It comes as no surprise that Sanders has plenty of Power 5 offers due to the fact that he is all you could want out of a WR. Not only does he have the length and reach that you want out of a wideout, but he has the burst and explosive ability off of the line that college coaches look for. As a route runner, Sanders does a good job of using his stick move, and is very solid out of his breaks. His footwork is also very crisp, and this helps him to generate separation when combining such things with his speed. Sanders also does a good job of looking the ball into his hands, and making various kinds of catches, regardless of if the ball is overthrown, under-thrown, over the shoulder, or led in front of him. Perhaps, out of all of the traits that makes him a great player, is the fact that he allows his burst, and ability to accelerate to be the key factor to his success. Often times, this results in 6 points for his team, or a huge play after the catch. Next season, expect him to continue to be a dominant offensive force, and the key target for Amari Jones.
Kaleb Robinson Kaleb Robinson 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Valdosta | 2022 State GA – RB
While Robinson is a great offensive weapon for the Wildcats, it can also be seen that he has a ton of potential that has not been fully developed, or tapped into. Not only does he have a bit of a bigger frame and size to him, but he runs with a good pad level at times as well. While he can get caught running high at times, his ability to use his leverage, and to be able to engage defenders well on contact makes him a solid back. When running the football, Robinson does a good job of running through contact, and making the hard gains. He also does a decent job of using good body control. While he is not a speed back by any means, and he does not have an overly twitchy running style, he does show small flashes of speed, burst, and shiftiness. Look for him to take a step forward next year and to become an even more polished back for Valdosta.